The BOK Center was one of my first introductions to architecture as an obvious art form. The center was opened in 2008, when I was only 13 years old. I remember going to the opening day of the BOK and being awestruck by every aspect of the building that I saw. It made me believe that Tulsa was a city that was growing and deserved to be recognized. This building truly made me believe that the city I lived my entire life in was something worthwhile. I will never forget the first time I set foot in the building and have enjoyed every second inside it since.
My father also helped construct the building. He is a journeyman, so he installed a lot of the lights and wiring when the building was under construction. It brings me a lot of pride and honor know that my own family helped put this center together. The BOK is such a centerpiece in Tulsa nowadays. Many people call it the jewel of Tulsa. So the fact that my own father helped make this building come together, a building that provides so much pride and happiness to the people of my home city, is really empowering to me and brings me closer to an already spectacular building.